Since 1978, in the village of Marinaleda, Andalusia (Spain), everyone earns the same salary - € 1,128 per month - whether they work in the field, factory or office. All of the services and accommodations are free, or almost free - what a good life. In fact, rent is €15 per month for a 90 square meter house. The right to housing is guaranteed: the municipality provides land and the person who wishes to move in receives help to build their her own home. Access to health, education and cultural activities is free or almost free, as well as daycare services... Marinaleda has one of the lowest taxes in Andalusia.

Themes

The system is simple: residents have created a cooperative that does not redistribute profits. The worker wages (of all workers, regardless of their position) are 47 euros per day, six days a week, for six and a half hours a day - that translates to 1128 euros per month. But those workers don't have any expenses, because those who register for town housing pay 15 euros per month for their home.

The houses are built on municipal land. Those who are committed to building their own home are assisted by a building site manager and an architect - both paid by the municipality. An agreement with the regional government of Andalusia ensures that materials are provided. In two or three years the work is completed, the house belongs to the person who built it, and they only have to pay 15 euros per month.

There is no vandalism - because everything was built by the villagers. If a young person or their father or a friend has installed a bench, there is no reason to damage it or spray it with graffiti. The fact that the budgets are approved by all members of the community - also contributes to deterring crime.

The approach developed by the city can be successfully implemented on a large scale. The mayor, Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo, explains "People are surprised when they see that here there is almost no unemployment and everyone has their own home.'' This is what's considered normal. What people do elsewhere, just doesn't make sense. And don't let anyone tell you that our experience can't be used: any city can do the same, but only if they want to.

The system is simple: residents have created a cooperative that does not redistribute profits. The worker wages (of all workers, regardless of their position) are 47 euros per day, six days a week, for six and a half hours a day - that translates to 1128 euros per month. But those workers don't have any expenses, because those who register for town housing pay 15 euros per month for their home.

The houses are built on municipal land. Those who are committed to building their own home are assisted by a building site manager and an architect - both paid by the municipality. An agreement with the regional government of Andalusia ensures that materials are provided. In two or three years the work is completed, the house belongs to the person who built it, and they only have to pay 15 euros per month.

There is no vandalism - because everything was built by the villagers. If a young person or their father or a friend has installed a bench, there is no reason to damage it or spray it with graffiti. The fact that the budgets are approved by all members of the community - also contributes to deterring crime.

The approach developed by the city can be successfully implemented on a large scale. The mayor, Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo, explains "People are surprised when they see that here there is almost no unemployment and everyone has their own home.'' This is what's considered normal. What people do elsewhere, just doesn't make sense. And don't let anyone tell you that our experience can't be used: any city can do the same, but only if they want to.